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Why My Biggest Fear is Failure

Categories: Failure Fear Fear of Failure

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Published: Sep 1, 2020

Words: 595 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited

Brown, B. (2010). The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. Hazelden Publishing.
Duckworth, A. L. (2016). Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Scribner.
Duckworth, A. L., Peterson, C., Matthews, M. D., & Kelly, D. R. (2007). Grit: perseverance and passion for long-term goals. Journal of personality and social psychology, 92(6), 1087.
Freud, S. (1930). Civilization and its Discontents. Hogarth Press.
Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer Publishing Company.
Pintrich, P. R., & Schunk, D. H. (2002). Motivation in Education: Theory, Research, and Applications (2nd ed.). Prentice Hall.
Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68-78.
Seligman, M. E. (2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being. Atria Books.
Sweeny, K., & Duckworth, A. L. (2019). Failure as Fuel: A Self-Regulatory Approach. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 13(11), e12508.
Tice, D. M., & Bratslavsky, E. (2000). Giving in to feel good: The place of emotion regulation in the context of general self-control. Psychological Inquiry, 11(3), 149-159.

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How to Deal With the Fear of Failure

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

Verywell / Jiaqi Zhou

Characteristics of the Fear of Failure

Identifying

Causes of the Fear of Failure

Treatment for fear of failure, coping with fear of failure.

The fear of failure, also known as atychiphobia , is an irrational and persistent fear of failing. This fear can stem from a number of sources. Sometimes it might emerge in response to a specific situation. In other cases, it might be related to another mental health condition such as anxiety or depression .

The fear of failure may also be related to being a perfectionist . Because perfectionists have such high expectations for how they expect things to turn out, they may experience a nagging fear that they won't live up to those often unrealistically high standards.

This article discusses the signs of a fear of failure and what causes this fear. It also explores treatments that can help and how to prevent this fear from holding you back.

Get Help Now

We've tried, tested, and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, BetterHelp, and ReGain. Find out which option is the best for you.

A fear of failure can produce emotional and behavioral symptoms. Some of the common signs of this fear include:

Feeling a loss of control
Helplessness
Powerlessness

In addition to emotional and behavioral symptoms, people with a fear of failure may also experience physical symptoms including rapid heart rate, chest tightness, trembling, dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, and digestive problems.

Identifying the Fear of Failure

The fear of failure may affect people in a variety of ways, which means that it's not always easy to identify. Some of the ways that people may experience the fear of failure include:

Believing that you don't have the skills or knowledge to achieve something
Feeling like you won't be able to achieve your goals
Procrastinating to the point that it affects your performance or ability to finish on time
Telling people that you will probably fail so that expectations remain low
Underestimating your own abilities to avoid feeling let down
Worrying that imperfections or shortcomings will make other people think less of you
Worrying that you will disappoint others if you fail

In some cases, the fear of failure may cause people to avoid trying altogether. Because they are so afraid that they will try and not succeed, they simply decide not to try at all in order to prevent potential pain, embarrassment, or disappointment.

Atychiphobia

While fear of failure is not listed as a distinct condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) , it is possible that you might be diagnosed with a specific phobia if your symptoms meet certain diagnostic criteria. In order to be diagnosed with a specific phobia, your symptoms must:

Involve excessive and unreasonable fear
Involve an immediate anxiety response
Be marked by avoidance or extreme distress
Limit your ability to function normally
Last as least six months and not be due to another condition

A fear of failure can have a wide variety of causes. Some potential causes include:

Critical Upbringing

People who grow up in households that are highly critical or unsupportive may be more likely to experience a fear of failure. Because they felt that they could never live up to their family's expectations during childhood, they may continue to fear making mistakes as adults.

Definitions of Failure

People often have different definitions of what failure means. For some people, it means not achieving something exactly as they planned. This can create a set of expectations that is very difficult to live up to.

Anxiety is also influenced by genetic factors. If members of your family also have anxiety conditions, you might be more likely to develop fears and anxieties yourself.

Perfectionism

Fear of failure sometimes stems from perfectionism. When people have extremely high standards, it often seems like nothing lives up to their expectations. This includes their own performance and achievements. Because they fear not reaching the high standards they've set, they may experience an intense fear of failing.

People who experienced a difficult or even traumatic failure may also be very afraid of repeating that experience in the future.

Having a panic attack during a presentation or being ridiculed for your performance, for example, could contribute to feelings of fear. Negative consequences resulting from failure, such as losing a job or not getting into a college, can also be risk factors that contribute to the fear of failure.

While everyone may be afraid of failing from time to time, it becomes more serious when it inhibits your ability to pursue your goals and achieve the things you want to accomplish in life.

Impact of the Fear of Failure

A fear of failure can take a toll on a person’s belief in their abilities and their motivation to pursue their goals.

Low self-esteem : People who fear failure may also engage in negative self-talk or have low self-confidence that makes it difficult to pursue goals.
Poor motivation : When people fear failure, they may also experience a lack of motivation that makes it difficult to get started on projects and work toward goals. When something seems too challenging or involves learning new skills, people may simply give up or refuse to get involved.
Self-sabotage : It isn't uncommon for people who fear failure to engage in acts of self-handicapping that undermine their own chances of success. Research has found, for example, that students who fear failing often engage in self-handicapping behaviors that actually limit academic success and perpetuate failure.
Shame : The fear of failure often stems from a fear of experiencing shame or embarrassment. Failing can trigger feelings worthlessness , so avoiding trying in the first place can sometimes serve as a way to protect the self from disappointment, regret, and sadness.

Treatment for the fear of failure depends on a variety of factors including how you experience this fear and the impact that it has on your life. In many cases, people can use self-help strategies to cope with these feelings.

If your fear of failure is impeding your ability to function normally, it is important to talk to a professional. Treatment options for a fear of failure might include:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can help you address the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that contribute to a fear of failure. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps people identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to feelings of fear. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) may also be helpful.

Medications

Medications may be prescribed to help you manage feelings of anxiety or depression that might be linked to your fear. Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that are commonly prescribed to treat mood conditions and anxiety. Anti-anxiety medications, such as Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam), may also be prescribed.

In many cases, a combination of these two treatment options with lifestyle changes may be the most effective

There are also a number of strategies that you can use to help reduce feelings of fear about failure. Some of these include:

Consider the Outcomes

Sometimes thinking about the worst possible outcome—and then coming up with a plan for how you’ll deal with it—can help reduce anxiety when you are pursuing your goals.

Focus on the Things You Can Control

Instead of worrying about aspects of the situation that you have no power over, focus your energy on things that you can control.

When you are facing a challenge that might trigger your fear of failing, work on developing alternative plans just in case your initial efforts don’t go as planned. Having a plan B (or plan C) can help you feel less anxious and more secure.

Redefine Failure

Changing how you think about failure may also help reduce your feelings of fear. Failure is part of life and can be an important opportunity to learn and acquire new skills.

It can certainly be disappointing, but it is important to maintain a healthy perspective toward the potential benefits of failing from time to time. Remember that success is often reached through a series of progressive failures that lead to new information, skills, and strategies.

Use Positive Thinking

Avoid negative self-talk that can undermine your confidence and create feelings of anxiety. Instead, work on thinking more like an optimist to keep your motivation high.

Visualization May Backfire

While visualization is often touted as a tool for success, research actually shows that this motivational strategy can backfire with people who have a high fear of failure. One study found that people with a strong fear of failing experienced strong negative moods after they engaged in an activity that involved visualizing success.

A Word From Verywell

The fear of failure is something that everyone experiences from time to time, but this can become much more problematic when such feelings become persistent. Practice self-compassion and work on taking small steps toward building your confidence and managing your fears.

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 5th ed . Washington, DC; 2013.

Meier SM, Deckert J. Genetics of anxiety disorders . Curr Psychiatry Rep . 2019;21(3):16. doi:10.1007/s11920-019-1002-7

Kelly JD 4th. Your best life: Perfectionism--the bane of happiness . Clin Orthop Relat Res . 2015;473(10):3108-11. doi:10.1007/s11999-015-4279-9

Bartels JM, Herman WE. Fear of failure, self-handicapping, and negative emotions in response to failure ; 2011.

Hjeltnes A, Binder PE, Moltu C, Dundas I. Facing the fear of failure: An explorative qualitative study of client experiences in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program for university students with academic evaluation anxiety . Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being . 2015;10:27990. doi:10.3402/qhw.v10.27990

Langens TA. Tantalizing fantasies: positive imagery induces negative mood in individuals high in fear of failure . Imagination, Cognition and Personality . 2002;21(4):281-292. doi:10.2190/HGH6-3RM6-2VCG-YCQH

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Essay on Fear of Failure

Students are often asked to write an essay on Fear of Failure in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Fear of Failure

Understanding fear of failure.

Fear of failure is a common feeling that arises when we face a challenge. It’s a fear that we might not succeed, which can stop us from trying at all.

Effects of Fear

This fear can limit our potential. It can prevent us from taking risks, stunting our growth and development.

Overcoming the Fear

Overcoming this fear involves understanding that failure is a part of learning. We can grow from our mistakes, turning them into stepping stones towards success.

Also check:

Speech on Fear of Failure

250 Words Essay on Fear of Failure

Introduction.

Fear of failure, or atychiphobia, is a psychological condition where an individual has a persistent, irrational dread of not meeting expectations or achieving success. This fear can be paralyzing, often leading to procrastination, anxiety, and a decrease in performance.

The Psychology of Fear

The fear of failure is deeply rooted in our psyche, often stemming from early life experiences. It is reinforced by societal pressures to succeed and the stigma attached to failure. The dread of not meeting expectations, coupled with the potential for public humiliation, can lead to debilitating anxiety.

Impact on Personal and Academic Life

This fear can significantly impact one’s personal and academic life. It can hinder risk-taking, creativity, and exploration, all of which are crucial for personal growth and academic success. Students may avoid challenging tasks, limiting their potential and stifling their intellectual development.

Overcoming the fear of failure involves a shift in perspective. Viewing failure as an opportunity for learning and growth, rather than a negative outcome, can help mitigate these fears. Strategies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and exposure therapy can also be effective.

In conclusion, the fear of failure is a profound issue that can inhibit personal and academic progress. However, with the right mindset and therapeutic strategies, it is possible to overcome this fear, fostering resilience and promoting success.

500 Words Essay on Fear of Failure

Fear of failure, also known as atychiphobia, is a complex emotion that can significantly impact an individual’s life. It is characterized by an overwhelming dread or anxiety about making mistakes or not meeting expectations. This fear can lead to avoidance of challenges and opportunities, thereby stifling personal growth and achievement. Understanding the nature, causes, and consequences of this fear is essential to overcoming it and achieving one’s full potential.

The Nature of Fear of Failure

Fear of failure is not just about the dread of not succeeding. It is often tied to deeper issues such as the fear of criticism, the fear of disappointing others, and the fear of losing one’s self-esteem. It can manifest itself in various forms, such as procrastination, perfectionism, and self-sabotage. These manifestations can lead to a vicious cycle where the fear of failure results in behaviors that, in turn, increase the likelihood of failure.

Causes of Fear of Failure

The root causes of fear of failure are often traced back to early life experiences. Negative feedback or punishment for failures during childhood can lead to the development of this fear. Societal and parental expectations can also contribute to its growth. Furthermore, internal factors such as personality traits and cognitive biases can make some individuals more susceptible to this fear.

Consequences of Fear of Failure

The fear of failure can have far-reaching consequences. It can limit an individual’s willingness to take on new challenges, stifle creativity, and hinder personal and professional growth. It can also lead to chronic stress and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Moreover, it can impact relationships, as the fear of disappointing others can lead to avoidance of social interactions.

Overcoming Fear of Failure

Overcoming the fear of failure involves acknowledging and understanding the fear, reframing failure, and fostering a growth mindset. Acknowledging the fear is the first step towards overcoming it. This can involve introspection or seeking professional help. Reframing failure involves viewing it not as a negative outcome but as a learning opportunity. This shift in perspective can reduce the fear associated with failure. Lastly, fostering a growth mindset, a concept popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, can help individuals view challenges as opportunities for learning and growth rather than threats to their self-worth.

Fear of failure is a pervasive issue that can significantly limit an individual’s potential. However, with understanding, self-reflection, and a shift in mindset, it is possible to overcome this fear. By reframing failure as a stepping stone to success and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can turn their fear of failure into a powerful motivator for personal and professional growth.

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How to Overcome a Fear of Failure

Characteristics

The fear of failure for many people is so intense it can impact their daily lives and ability to complete tasks. When thought of as a specific phobia, the fear of failure is known as atychiphobia .

It can be brought on by a variety of negative experiences associated with failure. Or, it can result from something directly learned or observed from others.

Read on to learn about how atychiphobia is characterized and what can be done to alleviate it.

Commercial Eye / Getty Images

What Is Fear of Failure?

Everyone worries about failing at some point in their lives, but for those with atychiphobia, the fear of failure is pervasive and extreme.

People with atychiphobia may internalize failure, viewing it as a reflection of their worth. This causes them to see failure as a constant threat. They worry it will lead to embarrassment or that others will view them negatively.

Ranging from mild to severe, this irrational fear of failure can prevent people from trying to achieve goals and can cause paralyzing anxiety.

Fear of failure may also be rooted in other anxiety disorders and is tied to perfectionism .

Atychiphobia vs. Perfectionism

While atychiphobia and perfectionism have some similarities, there are distinct differences. A person with atychiphobia will primarily focus on and worry about failure. Someone with perfectionism typically has high personal standards and will strive to be (or appear to be) perfect.

Characteristics of Fear of Failure

Fearing failure to the point that it causes you to avoid situations and prevents you from achieving goals could mean you're experiencing atychiphobia.

The fear of failure can manifest in a number of ways, both physically and emotionally.

Physical Symptoms

Sleep difficulties, often due to overthinking and severe anxiety
An upset stomach or other digestive distress
Joint and muscle pain
Difficulty breathing
Racing or pounding heart
Chest pain or tightness
Trembling or shaking
Dizziness or light-headedness
Hot or cold flashes
Tingling sensations

Emotional Symptoms

Feeling insecure and worrying excessively about failing
Procrastinating/avoiding tasks that trigger anxiety
Intense feelings of anxiety, fear, and panic when faced with situations that don't have a guarantee of success
Lack of setting goals and working on goals
Excessive focus on the future
Engaging in all-or-nothing thinking
Thinking you lack the skills to manage a situation or fulfill a task
Missing deadlines or being late with assignments
"Self-sabotaging" (failing by not trying instead of risking trying and failing)
Feeling an intense need to escape
Feeling “unreal”/detached from yourself
Fear of losing control
Knowing the fear is irrational, but being unable to control it

Diagnosing Fear of Failure

Although more complex than many other phobias, atychiphobia can fall under the umbrella of specific phobias. If the fear of failure is impacting your life, it's worth seeking professional help, such as with a mental health professional.

Mental health providers use criteria in the " Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders " (DSM–5) to diagnose a phobia. Persons diagnosed with a specific phobia have a persistent and excessive fear (typically lasting more than six months) that interferes with daily activities at school, work, or home life.

Your mental health provider will ask you specific questions about your symptoms. They may also ask about your medical and psychiatric history. This information will be used to determine if you meet the diagnostic criteria for a phobia.

Famous Failures

Even successful people fail sometimes:

Basketball great Michael Jordan didn’t make the varsity basketball team in his sophomore year of high school.
Successful filmmaker Steven Spielberg was rejected by a film school three times.
World-renowned entertainer Beyoncé lost on the TV competition show "Star Search" as part of her group Girls Tyme.
Esteemed physicist Albert Einstein failed the entrance exam to a polytechnic school.
Singer-songwriter Katy Perry's first album only sold 200 copies.
Multitalented director, actor, and playwright Tyler Perry's first play was attended by only 30 people.

What Causes Fear of Failure

Specific phobias can be caused by a number of factors, including:

Direct learning experiences : A traumatic experience in the feared situation, such as failing at something that had significant consequences or experiencing humiliation after a failure
Observational learning experiences : Seeing others experience the feared situation, or living with that phobia, including growing up in a household in which an adult of significance such as a parent had a fear of failure
Informational learning : Learning about the source of fear through avenues like the news, books, or television

Some factors that may be involved with fear of failure specifically include:

Perfectionism, a personality style characterized by viewing anything short of perfection as being unacceptable
Self-perception that is based on how others see you, and a fear of being viewed as a failure
Growing up in a critical environment, unsupportive of mistakes or failures

Treating Atychiphobia

Professional treatments are available for specific phobias, including fear of failure.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a broad term that encompasses many types of talk therapy . Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy often used to treat phobias.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is an approach that helps people better understand underlying conflicts and dynamics contributing to irrational fears of failure.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT involves identifying unhealthy or harmful thinking and behavior patterns and changing them into healthy ones.

CBT for phobias may include exposure therapy, in which you are gradually introduced to the source of your phobia with increasing intensity in a controlled environment.

Medication is used less commonly than therapy for fear of failure, but antianxiety medications may be prescribed if you and your healthcare provider feel it would be beneficial.

Coping with Fear of Failure

Self-help is often suggested as a first-line treatment for fear of failure, depending on the severity of the phobia, access to professional therapy, and the amount of support needed.

Some ways to address your fear of failure include:

Redefine Failure

Changing the way you see failure can help you cope with it.

Look at failure as:

An opportunity to learn
A natural and universal part of life experienced by everyone
A challenge to tackle instead of a threat

Be Pragmatic

Try to look at the situation or task as it really is, asking yourself:

What are the likely outcomes?
What can I do if the worst outcome happens?
How can I plan for addressing challenges as they arise?

Be Kind to Yourself

Recognize that some failure is inevitable for everyone.
Practice forgiving yourself when you do fail.
Focus on the failure as a failed task, not an indication of your self-worth.
Look at what went right in the situation, even if the overall goal was not met.
Challenge negative self-talk.

Mindfulness Techniques

Mindfulness and relaxation exercises can help you feel calm in the moment. They can also help to manage your overall anxiety. Exercises to try include:

Deep breathing exercises
Engaging your five senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste—to help bring you to the present moment. For instance, notice four things that you can feel. Observe and describe their texture to help ground yourself.

Atychiphobia is an extreme fear of failure. It falls under the umbrella of specific phobias. This irrational fear of failure can prevent you from trying to achieve goals and can cause paralyzing anxiety.

If the fear of failure is impacting your life, it's worth seeking professional help, such as by seeing a mental health professional. Treatments are available for specific phobias, including psychotherapy and medication.

Certain self-help techniques, like practicing mindfulness and challenging negative self-talk, can also be beneficial.

National Institute of Mental Health. Specific phobias.

Kentucky Counseling Center. Atychiphobia, fear of failure: how to overcome it?

Dinç S, Ekşi H. A psychological counseling study on fear of failure and academic procrastination with a spiritually oriented cognitive behavioral group . Spiritual Psychology and Counseling. 2019;4(3):219-235. doi: 10.37898/spc.2019.4.3.85

Curran T, Hill AP. Perfectionism is increasing over time: A meta-analysis of birth cohort differences from 1989 to 2016 . Psychol Bull . 2019;145(4):410-429. doi:10.1037/bul0000138

HelpGuide. Phobias and irrational fears .

Ph.D IM, Ph.D REM. Phobias: The Psychology of Irrational Fear: The Psychology of Irrational Fear . ABC-CLIO; 2015.

World Health Organization. Phobias .

Penn Psychiatry. Specific phobias .

Reader's Digest. 14 ironic “failures” of wildly successful people . Updated October, 2021.

American Psychiatric Association. What is psychotherapy?

National Health Services. Treatment - phobias .

Greater Good. Three ways to overcome fear of failure at work .

Brock L. 3 Easy anxiety relief exercises you can use anywhere . Michigan Medicine.

Montero-Marin J, Garcia-Campayo J, Pérez-Yus MC, Zabaleta-del-Olmo E, Cuijpers P. Meditation techniques v . relaxation therapies when treating anxiety: a meta-analytic review . Psychol Med . 2019;49(13):2118-2133. doi:10.1017/S0033291719001600

By Heather Jones Jones is a freelance writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism.

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How to Overcome Your Fear of Failure

Susan Peppercorn

Think about what may happen if you do nothing.

People are quick to blame themselves for failure. But not doing something because you’re afraid to get started isn’t going to help you grow. Here are four strategies to help you get over the hump. Start by redefining what failure means to you. If you define failure as the discrepancy between what you hope to achieve (such as getting a job offer) and what you might achieve (learning from the experience), you can focus on what you learned, which helps you recalibrate for future challenges. It’s also important to set approach goals instead of avoidance goals: focus on what you want to achieve rather than what you want to avoid. Creating a “fear list” can also help. This is a list of what may not happen as a result of your fear — the cost of inaction. And finally, focus on learning. The chips aren’t always going to fall where you want them to — but if you expect that reality going into an event, you can be prepared to wring the most value out of whatever outcome.

A client (who I’ll call “Alex”) asked me to help him prepare to interview for a CEO role with a start-up. It was the first time he had interviewed for the C-level, and when we met, he was visibly agitated. I asked what was wrong, and he explained that he felt “paralyzed” by his fear of failing at the high-stakes meeting.

Susan Peppercorn is an executive career transition coach and speaker. She is the author of Ditch Your Inner Critic at Work: Evidence-Based Strategies to Thrive in Your Career. Numerous publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, the Boston Globe, and SELF Magazine have tapped her for career advice. You can download her free Career Fit Self-Assessment and 25 Steps to a Successful Career Transition .

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Why Fear of Failure Can Keep You Stuck

There are many reasons why we are afraid of failure. find out what yours is..

Posted December 27, 2017 | Reviewed by Jessica Schrader

What Is Fear?
Find a therapist to combat fear and anxiety

Fear is one of the most powerful forces in life. It affects the decisions you make, the actions you take, and the outcomes you achieve. Who you are and what you do has at one point or another been influenced by fear. And while the primary role of fear is to protect you, fear very often becomes a significant obstacle that stands between you and your goals . Being successful relies to a large extent on knowing how to leverage fear.

Fear comes in many different forms. There are a variety of things that we are afraid of. Some are very specific, like dogs or spiders, and some are more general, like being afraid to try new things or speaking your mind in front of others. Among these different types of fear, there is one that can have a direct impact on your potential for success: fear of failure.

Fear of failure is the emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reaction to the negative consequences you anticipate for failing to achieve a goal. It is the intense worry, the negative thinking , and the reluctance to take action you experience, when you imagine all the horrible things that could happen if you failed to achieve a goal.

Fear of failure can cause many headaches. The psychology literature outlines a whole list of problems related to atychiphobia (the geeky name for fear of failure). In the short-run, fear of failure influences the types of goals you pursue, the kinds of strategies you use to achieve them, and the level of standards you set as indicators of success. When choosing which goals to pursue, people with a higher dose of fear of failure tend to focus their efforts more on preventing losses than achieving gains. For example, they may choose to work overtime because they don’t want to be perceived as slackers by their managers and thus risk getting fired, instead of working overtime to finish a new project that they hope will have a huge impact on their career . In addition, they tend to avoid situations in which they expect they will be evaluated and judged. For example, they may avoid making a sales pitch to an important client, for fear of failing to be persuasive enough to close the deal. Conversely, they may set lower standards for themselves on purpose, even though they know they can do better. In the previous example, they would switch the target from closing the deal, to simply making the phone call. Aiming to simply make the call has a much lower risk of failure than attempting to close a deal. In addition, people with fear of failure create obstacles intentionally, a process called self-handicapping, to undermine their efforts to achieve a goal, so that they can later blame the obstacles, rather than themselves. For example, they may schedule the sales call at lunch, when their prospective client is probably unavailable, so that they can attribute the lack of success to never having connected with the client.

In the long-run, fear of failure could cause even bigger problems that affect a person’s physical and mental health. People with fear of failure often experience fatigue and low energy, they feel emotionally drained, they are more dissatisfied with their lives, they experience chronic worry and hopelessness, and their performance in the relevant domains becomes objectively worse.

Let’s break it down

While we often talk about fear of failure as a unitary concept, researchers in this domain posit that fear of failure is multifaceted. There are different types of consequences that we fear we will suffer, should we fail to achieve our goal. This means that each time we experience fear of failure it may be for a different reason, and depending on the reason, we will react to and cope with our fear differently.

What are the consequences of failing that scare us enough to prevent us from trying?

1. Failing is embarrassing

No one is proud of failing. People don’t congratulate one another for failing to lose weight, failing to graduate, or failing to advance in their careers. In fact, if there is a feeling that failing never causes, that would be pride. But it does cause shame . Failing is embarrassing. What will people think? How can I tell them that I wasn’t able to get the promotion, write the book, or pass my licensing exam? Will they think I am not trying hard enough or that I am not meant to achieve big things? Will they feel sorry for me? When your headspace is occupied with such thoughts, fear of failure intensifies and blocks you from taking action.

2. Failing means I don’t have what it takes

Success, for many people, is intertwined with their sense of self-worth . It is a form of validation that they have what it takes to be successful. Success, and consequently failure, is a measure of who they are. Therefore, they interpret failing as evidence that that they aren’t smart, skilled or talented enough to succeed. So, you may choose not to try at all or to go for the low hanging fruit, because not going after an important goal is less painful than finding out that you are not competent enough to achieve it.

3. Failing means I’m stuck

The reason we so fervently—and sometimes desperately—set goals is so that we can control our future. Success means you can shape your future the way you want it. But failure makes the future uncertain. What will happen if I fail? What will I do if my plans don’t come through? How will I manage the losses? Will I ever create the life I want? The fear of an uncertain future can be powerful enough to keep you stuck in a less than ideal, but relatively unambiguous present.

4. Failing means I’ll become irrelevant

Given society’s obsession with success and successful people, there is an implicit fear that failure is social suicide . Failing means that people will lose interest in you and eventually forget about you. If they don’t see a winner in you, they may no longer be willing to help you or work with you. You worry that failing means losing the opportunity to increase your social influence and be sought after. In short, you fear that if word goes around that you failed to achieve your goal, your social stock will plummet.

5. Failing means letting people down

Another consequence of failing is the impact you imagine your lack of success could have on others. You assume that failing to achieve your goal will leave many important people in your life, like your family, your friends, or your employers, disappointed. The people that matter to you will be unhappy that you aren’t able to deliver on your promises, they will criticize your shortcomings, and they will lose trust in you.

6. Failing means I have a lot to lose

From a practical point of view, failure translates into actual losses. If you are failing a class in school and have to take it over, that translates into a couple thousand of dollars per credit. If your business is failing to become profitable, you will have wasted your savings, which you used up to get it off the ground. And what about your time and effort? If your pursuit doesn’t yield results, you have wasted time and energy that you could have allocated to other tasks and projects.

These are some of the consequences of failing that keep people worried and anxious and prevent them from pursuing challenging goals. The alternative, of course, is even worse. Choosing not to pursue these goals means never giving them a chance to materialize. Fear of failure keeps you safe, but small. It doesn’t allow you to try new things, to take on new challenges, or to expose yourself to new situations. But it doesn’t have to. You can conquer the fear of failure easily when you understand better what causes it and how it affects you. Which of these consequences are you mostly scared of?

Theo Tsaousides, Ph.D. is a neuropsychologist, assistant professor, and author of the book Brainblocks: Overcoming the Seven Hidden Barriers to Success .

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Go Ahead and Fail

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“ How to Build a Life ” is a weekly column by Arthur Brooks, tackling questions of meaning and happiness.

F or years, I was haunted by a fear of failure. I spent my early adulthood as a professional French hornist, playing in chamber-music ensembles and orchestras. Classical music is a perilous business, relying on absolute precision. Playing the French horn, prone as it is to missing notes, is a virtual high-wire act in every concert. I could go from hero to goat within a few mistakes during a solo. I lived in dread, and it made my life and work misery.

Fear of failure is not just a problem for French hornists. Looking bad in front of others is arguably the most common dread people face. This explains why, for example, researchers have found that public speaking is college students’ most common fear; some scholars have famously asserted that people fear it even more than death. And dread about failing doesn’t just afflict the young or inexperienced: According to a 2018 survey conducted by Norwest Venture Partners, 90 percent of CEOs “admit fear of failure keeps them up at night more than any other concern.”

This particular brand of anxiety appears to be on the rise. According to the World Bank , the percentage of American adults who see good opportunities to start a business but indicate that fear of failure would prevent them from doing so has been increasing for the past two decades. It is approaching the world median, in spite of the fact that the U.S. has long prided itself on being a land of intrepid entrepreneurs.

There are a few possible explanations for this increase. Social media threatens to make every slip-up an extinction-level event, socially and professionally. Meanwhile, a generation of overprotective Baby Boomer parents have shielded their Millennial and Gen Z kids from the small risks and failures that build the emotional fortitude required to withstand the inevitable, larger failures of adulthood.

From the May 2020 issue: What happened to American childhood?

To the extent that this trend extinguishes entrepreneurial behavior, it’s bad enough for our future. But I am less worried about the effect on start-up enterprises than on the enterprise of building happy lives. Fear of failure can have surprisingly harsh consequences for our well-being. For some, it can lead to debilitating anxiety and depression, a diagnosable malady called atychiphobia . But even before it reaches that point, it can steer us away from life’s joyful, fulfilling adventures, by discouraging us from taking risks and trying new things.

Want to stay current with Arthur's writing? Sign up to get an email every time a new column comes out.

T he fear of failure has a number of sources, not all of which are obvious. At first thought, it might seem like it is the dread of some known, bad outcome. For example, I might be afraid to give a presentation for my boss because if I fail, I won’t get a promotion, with clear implications for my career.

But the fear of failure seems to actually be about unknown outcomes, at least for those who are most anxious. In one recent study conducted at University College London, psychologists devised an experiment in which participants had to decide between a series of gambles with guaranteed rewards and a set of bets with potentially higher wins and losses. Based on this, they found that people who suffered from anxiety were the most unable to estimate the best probable reward, which is consistent with earlier research . The implication of this risk aversion is that if you are particularly anxious about failing, it’s the uncertainty about whether you will do so that bothers you more than the actual consequences.

Read: Fear can make you a better person

Researchers have also found that people who strongly fear failure have a composite of two personality characteristics: low achievement orientation (that is, they don’t take much pleasure from accomplishments and meeting goals) and high test anxiety (a fear of not performing well at a crucial moment). In other words, they’re motivated less by the possibility of winning and gaining something of value, and more by their anxiety about the possibility of messing up. Those are some of the same personality traits that drive perfectionism , and can show up in low achievers and high achievers alike.

In fact, perfectionism and the fear of failure go hand in hand: They lead you to believe that success isn’t about doing something good, but about not doing something bad. If you suffer from a fear of failure, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Where striving for success should be an exciting journey toward an amazing destination—as the climber George Mallory said, to ascend the mountain “because it’s there” —it feels instead like an exhausting slog, with all your energy focused on not tumbling over a cliff.

Read: The problem with being perfect

Surprisingly, people who fear failure do not need to extinguish the fear itself—to become more fearless—in order to make themselves happier. Instead, the best way to tame a fear of failure is to hone courage. Stanley Rachman, a psychologist, showed this in his research in the 1980s and then in the following decades on people in dangerous professions, such as paratroopers and bomb defusers. They too tended to fear failure—and messing up in such cases might be dire indeed. But they were able to tap into reserves of courage to act anyway. As Rachman argues, fearlessness is abnormal, and even dangerous, because it leads to foolish risk taking and bad leadership. Courage, on the other hand, helps you to balance prudence and resolve, even if the only thing you’re defusing is an office conflict.

T he good news is that all three of these drivers—an aversion to uncertainty, an attachment to the appearance of perfection, and a lack of courage—are qualities most of us would rather rid ourselves of. Facing the fear of failure is more than just dealing with a problem; it is an opportunity to grow in virtue. You can start this growth with three practices.

1. Focus on the present.

I once had a conversation with an oncologist about what it’s like to give people a dire, late-stage-cancer diagnosis. He said that some of his patients—people with a particular need to control tightly all parts of their lives—would immediately go home and start researching their prognosis on the internet. He would counsel them not to do this, because it would only make them sick with worry.

Instead, he told them, start each day with this mantra: “I do not know what will happen next week or next year. But I know I have the gift of this day, and I will not waste it.” He said it helped not just their outlook about the disease but also their overall approach to life. I recommend this same refrain to anyone suffering from a fear of failure. Own the unknown future through gratitude for the known present, and watch your happiness rise, as you enjoy what you have in front of you.

From the April 2004 issue: The case against perfection

2. Visualize courage.

Remember that one of the most common fears of failure involves public speaking. Even the thought of giving a speech in front of a group makes some people panic. The solution to this problem is simple: exposure. That doesn’t mean you need to haul a soapbox to your town square every day; just simulating a speech environment using virtual reality has been shown to lower people’s fear significantly.

Anyone can use this idea, even without strapping on a VR simulator, through simple concentrated imagination. Instead of avoiding the source of your fear even in your own mind, spend time each day visualizing scary scenarios, including possible failures. Picture yourself acting with courage, despite the fear. I did this extensively early in my teaching career, imagining everything from the prosaic (forgetting my notes) to the absurd (realizing after an hour-long lecture that my fly was unzipped the whole time—something that subsequently happened in real life). I soon found that I was, in fact, more courageous in front of the class as a result.

3. Litanize humility.

In Dante’s Divine Comedy , Satan is depicted as a victim of his terrible pride by being frozen from the waist down—fixed and in agony—in ice of his own making. Fear of failure and perfectionism are like that prideful sea of ice, freezing you in place with thoughts of what others will think of you—or, worse, what you will think of yourself—if you do not succeed at something.

There is a solution that follows Dante’s Catholic sensibility, but that in reality need not be religious at all. An early-20th-century Spanish cardinal, Rafael Merry del Val y Zulueta, composed a beautiful prayer called the “Litany of Humility.” The prayer does not ask that we be spared humiliation, but that we be given the grace to deal with the fear: “From the fear of being humiliated, / Deliver me, O Jesus.” It continues: Deliver me from the fear of being despised. From the fear of suffering rebukes. From the fear of being calumniated. From the fear of being forgotten. And from the fear of being ridiculed.

Make your own version of the litany of humility, religious or not, and recite it each night. Even if the items seem ridiculous to you (“From the fear of messing up my PowerPoint presentation, deliver me”), if you want relief, you have to state your desire. Only then will your fear cease to be a phantom menace and instead become concrete—and thus conquerable.

I f all of the above strategies seem too time consuming, there is one last, tried-and-true method to develop courage in the face of failure: fail. And then, survive what the dark unknown truly holds. That is what eventually cured me.

As I started by telling you, my music career was made miserable by my terror of mistakes. But at least my mouth was occupied with the instrument, so I didn’t have to speak publicly—that really freaked me out. Both those fears came together one fateful day at a chamber-music concert at Carnegie Hall in New York. I was slotted to give a short speech—maybe two minutes—about a piece my ensemble was to play. I stepped out of my chair and walked to the front of the stage, shaking in fear. Then I lost my footing, and literally fell into the audience. Decades later, I can still see it happening, in slow motion. As the audience gasped, I jumped up, my horn badly damaged and my arm injured, and shouted, ridiculously and implausibly, “I’m okay, folks!”

Read: Love is medicine for fear

Years later, I look back on that experience and laugh. But it wasn’t just funny—it was an incredible gift. Since scoring a perfect 10 in humiliation that day, I care very little about looking ridiculous. I take more risks and show my personality in ways I don’t think I would otherwise. Failure set me free.

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Overcoming Fear of Failure

Facing your fear of moving forward.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

Have you ever been so afraid of failing at something that you decided not to try at all? Or has fear of failure meant that, subconsciously, you undermined your own efforts to avoid the possibility of a larger failure?

Many of us have probably experienced this at one time or another. The fear of failing can be immobilizing – it can cause us to do nothing, and therefore resist moving forward. But when we allow fear to stop our forward progress in life, we're likely to miss some great opportunities along the way.

In this article, we'll examine fear of failure: what it means, what causes it, and how to overcome it to enjoy true success in work, and in life.

What Causes the Fear of Failure?

To find the causes of fear of failure, we first need to understand what "failure" actually means.

We all have different definitions of failure, simply because we all have different benchmarks, values, and belief systems. A failure to one person might simply be a great learning experience for someone else.

Overcome your fear of failure and move forward to achieve your goals.

Many of us are afraid of failing, at least some of the time. But fear of failure (also called "atychiphobia") is when we allow that fear to stop us doing the things that can move us forward to achieve our goals.

Fear of failure can be linked to many causes. For instance, having unsupportive or critical parents is a cause for some people. Because they were routinely undermined or humiliated in childhood, they carry those negative feelings into adulthood.

Experiencing a traumatic event in your life can also be a cause. For example, say that several years ago you gave an important presentation in front of a large group, and did very poorly. The experience might have been so terrible that you became afraid of failing in other things. And you carry that fear even now, years later.

How You Experience Fear of Failure

You might experience some or all of the following symptoms if you have a fear of failure:

A reluctance to try new things or to get involved in challenging projects.
Self-sabotage – for example, procrastination, excessive anxiety , or a failure to follow through with goals.
Low self-esteem or self-confidence – commonly using negative statements such as "I'll never be good enough to get that promotion," or "I'm not smart enough to get on that team."
Perfectionism – A willingness to try only those things that you know you'll finish perfectly and successfully.

What Is The Definition of Failure?

It's almost impossible to go through life without experiencing some kind of failure. People who do so probably live so cautiously that they go nowhere. Put simply, they're not really living at all.

But, the wonderful thing about failure is that it's entirely up to us to decide how to look at it. We can choose to see failure as "the end of the world," or as proof of just how inadequate we are. Or, we can look at failure as the incredible learning experience that it often is.

Every time we fail at something, we can choose to look for the lesson we're meant to learn. These lessons are very important; they're how we grow, and how we keep from making that same mistake again. Failures stop us only if we let them.

It's easy to find successful people who have experienced failure. For example:

Michael Jordan is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. And yet, he was cut from his high school basketball team because his coach didn't think he had enough skill.
Warren Buffet, one of the world's richest and most successful businessmen, was rejected by Harvard University.
Richard Branson, owner of the Virgin empire, is a high-school dropout.

Most of us will stumble and fall in life. Doors will get slammed in our faces, and we might make some bad decisions. But imagine if Michael Jordan had given up on his dream to play basketball when he was cut from that team. Imagine if Richard Branson had listened to the people who told him he'd never do anything worthwhile without a high-school diploma.

Think of the opportunities you'll miss if you let your failures stop you. Failure can also teach us things about ourselves that we would never have learned otherwise. For instance, failure can help you discover how strong a person you are.

Failing at something can help you discover your truest friends, or help you find unexpected motivation to succeed. Often, valuable insights come only after a failure. Accepting and learning from those insights is key to succeeding in life.

How Not to Be Afraid of Failure

It's important to realize that in everything we do, there's always a chance that we'll fail. Facing that chance, and embracing it, is not only courageous – it also gives us a fuller, more rewarding life.

However, here are a few ways to reduce the fear of failing:

Analyze all potential outcomes – Many people experience fear of failure because they fear the unknown. Remove that fear by considering all of the potential outcomes of your decision. Our article Decision Trees will teach you how to map possible outcomes visually.
Learn to think more positively – Positive thinking is an incredibly powerful way to build self-confidence and neutralize self-sabotage. Our article Thought Awareness, Rational Thinking, and Positive Thinking is a comprehensive resource for learning how to change your thoughts.
Look at the worse-case scenario – In some cases, the worst-case scenario may be genuinely disastrous, and it may be perfectly rational to fear failure. In other cases, however, this worst case may actually not be that bad, and recognizing this can help.
Have a contingency plan – If you're afraid of failing at something, having a "Plan B" in place can help you feel more confident about moving forward.

How to Stop Living in Fear

If you are afraid of failure, you might be uncomfortable setting goals . But goals help us define where we want to go in life. Without goals, we have no sure destination.

Many experts recommend visualization as a powerful tool for goal setting. Imagining how life will be after you've reached your goal is a great motivator to keep you moving forward.

However, visualization might produce the opposite results in people who have a fear of failure. Research shows that people who have a fear of failure were often left in a strong negative mood after being asked to visualize goals and goal attainment.

So, what can you do instead?

Start by setting a few small goals . These should be goals that are slightly, but not overwhelmingly, challenging. Think of these goals as "early wins" that are designed to help boost your confidence.

For example, if you've been too afraid to talk to the new department head (who has the power to give you the promotion you want), then make that your first goal. Plan to stop by her office during the next week to introduce yourself.

Or, imagine that you've dreamed of returning to school to get your MBA, but you're convinced that you're not smart enough to be accepted into business school. Set a goal to talk with a school counselor or admissions officer to see what's required for admission.

Try to make your goals tiny steps on the route to much bigger goals. Don't focus on the end picture: getting the promotion, or graduating with an MBA. Just focus on the next step: introducing yourself to the department head, and talking to an admissions officer. That's it.

Taking one small step at a time will help build your confidence, keep you moving forward, and prevent you from getting overwhelmed with visions of your final goal.

Sometimes, being afraid of failure can be a symptom of a more serious mental health condition. Negative thinking can cause severe health problems and, in extreme cases, death. While the techniques in this article have been shown to have a positive effect on reducing stress, they are for guidance only.

Readers should take the advice of suitably qualified health professionals if they have any concerns over related illnesses or if negative thoughts are causing significant or persistent unhappiness. Health professionals should also be consulted before any major change in diet or levels of exercise.

Many of us are sometimes afraid of failing, but we mustn't let that fear stop us from moving forward.

Fear of failure can have several causes: from childhood events to mistakes we've made in our adult lives. It's important to realize that we always have a choice: we can choose to be afraid, or we can choose not to be.

Start by setting small goals that will help build your confidence. Learn how to explore and evaluate all possible outcomes rationally and develop contingency plans; and practice thinking positively. By moving forward slowly but steadily, you'll begin to overcome your fear.

Langens, T.A. (2002) 'Tantalizing Fantasies: Positive Imagery Induces Negative Mood in Individuals High in Fear of Failure,' Imagination Cognition and Personality , Issue 1, 2002.

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Overcoming Fear of Failure Essay

The level of growth and development has resulted to an increase in the technological knowhow and improvement of appliances. The search and presentation of information in websites has increased drastically over the past decades. Consequently, people are currently learning of the differences between websites. Some websites consist of shallow and unreliable information while others are educative and informative. This essay is aimed at analyzing the presentations of two individual websites relating to the fear of failure which is a topic in psychology. Fear of failure is a common subject in psychology and has been diversely researched on by numerous scholars (Knudson 1). Consequently, this essay evaluates the roles of research practitioners on how fear of failure generates and the significance of their research in the websites.

The Department of Psychology from the highly-recognized universities has conducted numerous researches on the validity of information in websites. Various articles and website give illustration on the effects caused by fear of failure on the human brains. The first website is an article written by Knudson Tellman on the reasons behind the fear of failure (Knudson 1). The article issues a generalized reasoning on the adverse effects that causes human beings to have the fear to fail. Fear results to lack of personal achievement and attainment of set goals. According to research, fear of failure is experienced in all stages of growth. The fear to fail starts affecting people from childhood to their adulthood.

Some people opt to drug addiction due to their increased fear of failing in their individual or corporate duties. The users of the recreational drugs tend to participate in unprotected sex, criminal gangs and societal challenges because few interact with the bad in society. Research shows that the adults have rational actions and attitudes towards decision making and thus the chances of adults making inappropriate decision become low. The author indicates in the article of the availability of fear to failure in every person. The website and article by Knudson gives a lot of examples to indicate the variations of the fear factor in all forms of life. The article continuously performs a clarification of the effects of fear of failure on children, adults, corporate businessmen and other categories in the economical and political fields (Knudson 1).

Mind tools healthcare research website facilitates an understanding to the different readers on the various challenges in medicine. The undertakings of the research practitioners based in ‘mindtools.com’ involve careful and detailed research on the various areas of research. According to an article from their website, the research practitioners indicated that fear of failure is a common feature in psychology and in research.

A critical analysis on the causes and the challenges faced by people is clearly enhanced in the article. The article provides knowledge of the effects generated from fear of failure in the different stages of life and in the different political, economical and social grounds. Other than the basic knowledge on the problems and causes of fear, the article indicates numerous related fields in the different sections of the webpage. This enhances the readers’ choice of information and thus produces room for extensive research and learning. The article illustrates different pictures that are supposed to enhance on the level of understanding and in pursuing the right remedy for the different causes of fear. The presentation of this article offers the reader an extensive field of research on the psychology topic.

The above websites have conducted individual research on the psychology subject and have produced outstanding levels of performance in their explanation and conclusion. However, ‘mindtools.com’ provides detailed information in their web page. This acts as an educative and informative piece to any researcher practitioner because different topics and illustration for detailed research are positioned in different areas on the website. I would therefore recommend this article to a friend doing research on drugs and addiction to the first article.

The website from ‘mind tools’ provides diverse areas of reference to the research practitioners. The diversity of the website presents clarity in the knowledge presentation. In addition, the provision of pictures enhances on the presentation and gives the reader an understanding of the adverse causes of fear of failure to humanity (Mind tools 1). From the research website, one can draw a critical analysis on the adverse effects of fear of failure and different ways of overcoming these challenges as clearly enhanced in the article.

The website includes the current pages of social media, Facebook, Tweeter and other currently used pages to illustrate to the reader of the accessibility of the information. Other than the basic knowledge on the problems and causes of addiction, the article indicates numerous related fields in the different sections of the webpage. In conclusion, a good website should meet its intended goal and also meet the needs of the readers (Mind tools 1). The website is supposed to be highly developed to facilitate efficiency during its usage. In addition, well-designed websites purport recognition and acceptance from different academic fields.

Works Cited

Knudson Tellman. Why We All Have Fear of Failure . PsychCentral. 2015. Web.

Mind tools. Overcoming Fear of Failure . Mindtools. 2015. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2020, July 5). Overcoming Fear of Failure. https://ivypanda.com/essays/overcoming-fear-of-failure/

"Overcoming Fear of Failure." IvyPanda , 5 July 2020, ivypanda.com/essays/overcoming-fear-of-failure/.

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IvyPanda . 2020. "Overcoming Fear of Failure." July 5, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/overcoming-fear-of-failure/.

1. IvyPanda . "Overcoming Fear of Failure." July 5, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/overcoming-fear-of-failure/.

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IvyPanda . "Overcoming Fear of Failure." July 5, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/overcoming-fear-of-failure/.

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Fear of Failure in Students: Understanding and Overcoming

POSTED ON February 26, 2024
by Barbara Isla

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Fear of failure is a common experience among students, and I’m no stranger to it myself. Reflecting on my own academic journey, I recall the daunting pressure of exams, reports, and presentations, and the way these academic challenges seemed to mirror the obstacles in real life. The prospect of not succeeding was frightening, yet, in hindsight, it was these very challenges that forged my resilience.

Embracing my fears spurred me into action, pushing me to work harder despite the self-doubt that often whispered in my ear. Overcoming fear of failure is no small feat, but through personal experience and insights gathered from experts, I’ve compiled a list of strategies that can help alleviate the stress of academic pressures.

Additionally, for those looking to delve deeper into personal growth, I recommend exploring self-development courses . These resources can be instrumental in reshaping your attitude and mindset towards failure, transforming it from a source of anxiety into a stepping stone for success.

What Is Fear of Failure in Students?

The fear of failure is a pervasive sentiment that affects many students across various stages of their education. This fear can significantly impact their academic performance, social interactions, and overall mental health.

Understanding the roots of this fear and addressing them effectively is crucial for students, educators, and parents alike.

Fear of failure, also known as atychiphobia , is the overwhelming worry or anxiety about not meeting personal or societal expectations. In students, this fear often manifests as a paralyzing dread of poor academic performance, criticism, or the inability to achieve their goals.

Scientific Reason Behind Fear of Failure

The fear of failure is deeply rooted in our evolutionary past, where failure often meant life-threatening consequences. This primal fear can trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

Neurologically, the amygdala, a part of the brain associated with emotional responses, activates this fear response. Simultaneously, the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and social behavior, may become impaired under stress, making rational thinking and learning more challenging.

Examples Of Fear of Failure

Career advancement.

An employee may hesitate to apply for a promotion or take on new responsibilities, fearing failure and criticism, potentially stalling their career progression.

Here’s an article on Career Shift: How To Do It The Right Way .

Social situations

Someone might avoid social interactions or trying new activities with peers due to the fear of embarrassment or rejection, leading to social isolation and missed opportunities for personal growth.

Academic pressure

A student might avoid participating in class or taking challenging courses due to the fear of not performing well, which could reinforce feelings of inadequacy and lead to a decline in academic performance. This is what we’ll focus on in this article.

Causes of Fear of Failure in Students

Below are detailed explanations of the primary factors contributing to the development of fear of failure in students, each illustrating how different pressures and experiences shape their perceptions and reactions to potential failure.

High parental expectations: When parents set very high standards for their children’s academic achievements, it can lead to intense pressure to succeed. This pressure often causes anxiety and fear of disappointing their parents if they fail to meet these expectations.
Societal pressure to succeed: Society often values success and achievement, creating an environment where failure is looked down upon. This societal norm can make students fear failure, as they believe it will lead to judgment or rejection from their peers and the community.
Previous experiences of failure: Students who have experienced failure in the past may develop a fear of repeating those failures. These past experiences can lead to a lack of confidence and a belief that future efforts will also result in failure.
Low self-esteem: Students with low self-esteem often doubt their abilities and worth, which can make the prospect of failure particularly terrifying. This lack of self-confidence can prevent them from taking on challenges due to fear of not being good enough.

Read this article on 7 Holistic Strategies for Building Self-Confidence After Setbacks .

Effects of Fear of Failure

The effects of fear of failure are far-reaching, impacting students’ academic achievements, social relationships, and mental health. It can lead to procrastination, avoidance of challenging tasks, perfectionism, anxiety, and depression.

10 Tips to Overcome Fear of Failure in Students

Educators, parents, and students can leverage the following strategies.

1. Foster a growth mindset

We encourage you to embrace challenges as valuable opportunities for learning and growth. It’s vital to stress the significance of effort and perseverance over simply relying on innate ability. This approach can transform how students perceive their capabilities and their educational journey.

2. Set realistic goals

Setting achievable goals for yourself is key. When you break down those big assignments or projects into smaller, manageable pieces, it becomes less overwhelming and more doable. This approach will not only help you make steady progress but also increase your motivation and confidence as you see yourself accomplishing each step.

C.L. Mike Schmidt also encourages students to set realistic goals.

“Assisting students in setting realistic and attainable goals is an effective strategy for overcoming their fear of failure. You see, when students set achievable goals, they develop a sense of agency over their learning journey, which reduces anxiety about potential setbacks. The emphasis on progress rather than flawless execution reinforces the idea that mistakes are unavoidable in the growth process and should be welcomed rather than avoided.”

3. Encourage positive self-talk

Learning to catch and change your negative thoughts to positive affirmations is a game-changer. This habit can greatly boost your confidence and ability to tackle challenges head-on. By fostering a resilient and optimistic mindset, you’re equipping yourself with a powerful tool for personal growth and success.

Here’s what Suzana Mihajlovic has to say about changing one’s internal self-image.

“ Studies by Dr Maxwell Maltz show that the image we hold of ourselves on the inside will determine the results we get externally. So, help the student (or yourself) to change the perception of themselves (yourself) from the inside out. This is so powerful and quite easy to do.”

4. Normalize failure

Remember, even the most successful people have faced failures but didn’t let them stop their progress. Understanding that failure is a normal part of learning and growing helps take away its power to intimidate us. This mindset encourages resilience and perseverance, showing that setbacks are just steps on the path to success.

5. Accept constructive feedback

It’s important to see feedback as a tool for growth, focusing on your effort and progress rather than just the final result. Constructive criticism is there to guide you towards improvement, not to make you feel disheartened. Embracing it can empower you to achieve even better results.

6. Learn stress management techniques

Mastering stress management strategies like deep breathing, mindfulness, and effective time management is crucial. These techniques can greatly help in reducing anxiety and improving your ability to handle academic pressures and life’s challenges. Incorporating these into your daily routine can make a big difference in your overall well-being and academic performance.

7. Dare to take risk

Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks is crucial for growth. Remember, it’s the effort and courage that count as much as the successes. Embracing the opportunities to try new things can lead to valuable learning experiences, even if it doesn’t always result in immediate success. Challenge yourself to explore and experiment; it’s a vital part of your learning journey.

8. Develop problem-solving skills

Developing a systematic approach to solving problems can greatly increase your confidence in facing challenges. By learning effective strategies to navigate obstacles, you not only boost your academic performance but also equip yourself for real-life situations. Cultivating these skills is essential for turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

9. Emphasize the journey, not just the destination

It’s important to focus on your entire learning journey and the growth you experience along the way, rather than fixating solely on grades or outcomes. Adopting this mindset can lead to a more enriching and enjoyable educational experience, helping you appreciate the process of learning itself and the progress you make, no matter how small.

10. Provide support and resources

Knowing where to find academic and emotional support is vital. Whether it’s tutoring, counseling, or mentorship programs, these resources can provide you with the assistance and guidance you need to navigate your educational journey successfully. Don’t hesitate to reach out and take advantage of the support available to you; it can make a significant difference in your academic and personal growth.

11. Practice meditation

Incorporating breathing exercises or meditation into daily routines can significantly alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with fear of failure.

“ There are many short and simple mediation techniques out there for students. Meditation can be as simple as taking ten minutes out of the day three times per day to be still or to focus on one’s breath. If the student has difficulty being still, there are many walking meditations available too.”

Building a Supportive Environment

Building a supportive environment for students is crucial for their development of resilience, creativity, and growth mindset. Such an environment encourages students to embrace challenges, understand the value of failure as a learning opportunity, and recognize risk-taking as an essential part of personal and academic development.

Role of Educators and Parents

Educators and parents are pivotal in shaping a culture that celebrates resilience and learning from setbacks. By exemplifying how to navigate failures and challenges gracefully, they provide a live blueprint for students, showcasing that perseverance and resilience are vital for overcoming obstacles.

Michael Bongalos shares his insights about the role of parents in this aspect.

“Fear of failure often takes root in environments where family support is lacking, especially when failure is met with criticism rather than understanding. Conversely, parents who instill confidence in their children and view failures as learning opportunities help to build resilience against fear. Such supportive environments teach children to see setbacks not as defeats, but as stepping stones for growth, without resorting to mockery or discouragement, which can negatively impact a student’s mindset.”

If you’re a parent diving into this article, you’ll definitely want to know what Seb Battaglia has to share.

“Students who fear failure often have over controlling parents, or parents who punish them for failing, forcing them into perfectionism. This is a big issue because our growth is based on learning from failures. Yet, that is not taught in school, or as parents we are not used to teaching it to our kids. I am a PhD scientist by training, I also taught in colleges, and my wife is a high school teacher. We both believe that students should be taught not only that failing is ok, but how to accept it and learn from it.”

Modeling Resilience

To cultivate a supportive atmosphere, it’s essential for educators and parents to demonstrate resilience in their own lives. Showing students that setbacks are part of everyone’s journey emphasizes that perseverance is key to success. This approach helps in normalizing the process of learning through failure.

Jon Morgan of Venture Smarter has this to share about being resilient.

“ Teaching resilience and perseverance is a lesson that extends beyond the academic realm. I find it beneficial to share stories of renowned individuals who faced numerous failures before achieving success. These narratives serve as powerful examples that setbacks are not indicators of inadequacy but rather opportunities for personal and intellectual development. By instilling the belief that challenges can be overcome with determination and adaptability, students are better equipped to face the uncertainties of academic and personal life.”

Key Takeaways

In navigating the complexities of fear of failure, it’s crucial for students, educators, and parents to actively engage with and apply the strategies outlined above. Embracing a growth mindset, setting achievable goals, and learning to view challenges as opportunities for development are more than just tips; they are essential steps towards building resilience and confidence.

We encourage everyone involved in the educational journey—students striving for success, educators shaping the minds of tomorrow, and parents supporting their children’s growth—to take these strategies to heart. Implementing these practices can transform fear of failure from a formidable obstacle into a catalyst for personal and academic achievement.

We highly recommend exploring the Skill Success All Access Pass . This resource offers an expansive range of courses designed to enhance skills, boost confidence, and promote a positive mindset. Take this opportunity to access more than 3,000 resources that can support your path to success.

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Barbara Isla

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Why do you fear failure?

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Fear of Failure: What It Looks Like and How to Deal
Feeling a loss of control. Helplessness. Powerlessness. In addition to emotional and behavioral symptoms, people with a fear of failure may also experience physical symptoms including rapid heart rate, chest tightness, trembling, dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, and digestive problems. The 13 Best Online Therapy Services That Are Tried ...
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500 Words Essay on Fear of Failure Introduction. Fear of failure, also known as atychiphobia, is a complex emotion that can significantly impact an individual's life. It is characterized by an overwhelming dread or anxiety about making mistakes or not meeting expectations. This fear can lead to avoidance of challenges and opportunities ...
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Emotional Symptoms. Feeling insecure and worrying excessively about failing. Procrastinating/avoiding tasks that trigger anxiety. Intense feelings of anxiety, fear, and panic when faced with situations that don't have a guarantee of success. Lack of setting goals and working on goals. Excessive focus on the future.
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Creating a "fear list" can also help. This is a list of what may not happen as a result of your fear — the cost of inaction. And finally, focus on learning. The chips aren't always going ...
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Essay Topics. The fear of failure can stem from various sources, such as high expectations from oneself or others, a fear of judgment or rejection, or a desire for perfection. It often manifests as a paralyzing emotion that hinders progress and stifles personal growth. Individuals who experience this fear may find themselves trapped in a cycle ...
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Fear of failure can cause many headaches. The psychology literature outlines a whole list of problems related to atychiphobia (the geeky name for fear of failure). In the short-run, fear of ...
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Facing the fear of failure is more than just dealing with a problem; it is an opportunity to grow in virtue. You can start this growth with three practices. 1. Focus on the present. I once had a ...
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But fear of failure (also called "atychiphobia") is when we allow that fear to stop us doing the things that can move us forward to achieve our goals. Fear of failure can be linked to many causes. For instance, having unsupportive or critical parents is a cause for some people. Because they were routinely undermined or humiliated in childhood ...
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Fear of Failure Through a process called potentiating, the more scared you feel the scarier thing will seem. In William Shakespeare's Macbeth, the thane of Glamis and General Macbeth is brought prophecies by three witches and he chooses to take action and rush the process. Fear of failure leads to Macbeth committing his crimes because he is ...
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An Essay About Fear Of Failure. 1496 Words6 Pages. The fear of failure is called "Atychiphobia" in psychological language but, this fear is present in everyone. Our success in any area of our lives highly depends upon our willingness to overcome this obstacle. We all afraid of losing, even the most successful people in the world are troubled by ...
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Understanding the roots of this fear and addressing them effectively is crucial for students, educators, and parents alike. Fear of failure, also known as atychiphobia, is the overwhelming worry or anxiety about not meeting personal or societal expectations. In students, this fear often manifests as a paralyzing dread of poor academic ...

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